Jacob Gagai proved instrumental in the Giants’ victory.
Betfred Super League
Huddersfield (6) 23
Tries: McGowan, Gagai, Flanagan 2 Goals: Flanagan 3 Drop-goal: Russell
Warrington (10) 10
Tries: Wrench, King Goal: Sneyd
Warrington Wolves faced a significant setback to their Super League play-off aspirations with a defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Giants.
The contest saw several momentum shifts, with the home side initially taking the lead courtesy of Aidan McGowan’s try.
However, Warrington responded through Connor Wrench and Toby King, establishing a 10-6 advantage by half-time.
Huddersfield rallied in the second half, with Jacob Gagai and George Flanagan, who scored twice, crossing the try line, while Oliver Russell added a crucial drop-goal to seal the victory.
This defeat leaves Warrington trailing sixth-placed Hull FC by five points in the race for the final play-off spot, with only four regular-season games remaining.
Wigan dismantle Wakefield to go back second
Super League table
Despite some early pressure, the Giants took the lead when McGowan touched down in the corner.
The video referee overturned an initial no-try decision, deeming the ball grounded fairly following impressive work by Flanagan, who then converted from a difficult angle.
Warrington responded swiftly, with Flanagan losing possession to Wrench on the try line after Marc Sneyd’s forward kick. The video referee upheld the decision, but Sneyd’s conversion attempt fell short.
The game shifted as Matt Dufty, returning to the Wolves’ lineup, set up King to score against Huddersfield for the fifth consecutive match, with Sneyd adding the extras.
Warrington faced sustained pressure from the hosts early in the second half, displaying resilience in defence. Wrench made a crucial intervention, preventing Gagai from scoring by cutting out Russell’s kick near the line.
However, the same combination proved fruitful with 15 minutes remaining, as Gagai crossed for his 10th try of the season after some inspired play. Flanagan’s missed conversion left the Giants trailing.
That miss only intensified the Giants’ resolve. Sensing an opportunity, they capitalized when Gagai set up Flanagan, who powered over the line and converted his own try.
Any remaining Warrington resistance was broken as Russell kicked a drop-goal, and Flanagan completed the scoring with another converted try.
Huddersfield Giants coach Luke Robinson told BBC Radio Leeds: “I thought it was very telling; at this stage of the season, I asked the lads if there was anything to play for and got my answer.
“I’m really chuffed with the manner they went about it. We were a little disjointed with the ball, not as fluid as I’d have liked. We were always going to be a bit clunky but I liked everyone’s effort and desire and we showed that in droves.
“We don’t win the game if Ollie Russell doesn’t play, that is a fact. I don’t want to put young kids in when they’re not ready. That drop-goal was a really nice decision; the club backed my decision to bring him back.
“George Flanagan has played exceptionally well this year and we have high hopes for him. For him, moving forward, he showed mental strength.”
Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess: “It was an extremely disappointing second half – it’s probably as poor as we have played since I’ve been in charge at the club.
“We’ve got to ask a few questions of ourselves and I’ll be doing the same with myself because it just wasn’t good enough.
“The first half was a fair game, but in the second half we may as well have stayed in the changing room.
“It’s confusing because we had a great week in practice and we expect to transfer into our performance, but it just didn’t.
“That’s probably the most concerning part – the guys are just not turning up on gameday.”
Huddersfield: Flanagan, McGowan, Gagai, Bibby, Halsall, Rush, Russell, Rogers, Woolford, Powell, Rushton, Greenwood, Cudjoe
Interchanges: Golding, English, Wilson, Burgess
Warrington: Dufty, Jake Thewis, Wrench, King, Josh Thewis, Williams, Sneyd, Yates, Walker, Matterson, Stone, Fitzgibbon. Currie
Interchanges: Thomas, Powell, Holroyd, Harrison
Referee: Aaron Moore.
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser